EDWARD NALBANDIAN’S VISIT TO NEAR EAST COUNTRIES STARTS

Noyan Tapan

F eb 24, 2009

CAIRO, FEBRUARY 24, NOYAN TAPAN. RA Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian
arrived in Egypt on February 23 at the invitation of Foreign Minister
of Egypt Ahmed Abu Al Gheid. The same day the RA Foreign Minister
was received by Prime Minister of Egypt Ahmed Nazif. The latter
mentioned that the people of Egypt and he personally have the warmest
feelings and sympathy for Armenia and the Armenian people. According to
A. Nazif, Armenian-Egyptian friendship’s bright evidence is Egyptian
Armenian community’s active role and participation in country’s
various spheres.

Thanking for the reception, A. Nalbandian said that Armenian-Egyptian
relations have history of ages, and our peoples are connected with
traditional friendship and sympathy proved by history. He said
that Armenia is interested in further deepening cooperation with
Egypt. According to the RA Foreign Minister, the current high level of
political dialogue between the two countries should be strengthened by
bilateral economic projects and efficient use of current possibilities
for development of trade and economic relations.

A wide range of issues related to development of bilateral relations
in various spheres, cooperation at international organizations were
discussed during E. Nalbandian’s meeting with Abu Al Gheid. The
interlocutors stressed that there is a high level of political
relations and a serious potential for expanding economic and cultural
partnership between the states.

E. Nalbandian stated that Armenia is going to continue its steps
to deepen all-round relations with its important partner Egypt in
the region.

E. Nalbandian and Al Gheid also exchanged thoughts over issues
of providing and strengthening security in the South Caucasus and
Near East.

The Armenian and Egyptian Foreign Ministers signed an agreement between
the RA government and Egyptian government on bilateral release from
the requirement of receiving an entrance visa by people having a
diplomatic, official or special passport.

According to the RA Foreign Ministry Press and Information Department,
the same day E. Nalbandian and Egyptian International Cooperation
Minister Fayza Abulnagha discussed issues regarding the sitting of
the Armenian-Egyptian Intergovernmental Commission to be held this
year in Yerevan.

In the evening of February 23 E. Nalbandian had a meeting with
representatives of the Armenian community of Egypt.

E. Nalbandian left for Jordan on February 24.